“If the buzz is gone, what do you want the beverage to do for you?” — I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. For a while, I couldn’t quite figure out what it was about drinking that kept me coming back, even if alcohol was removed from the equation. It wasn’t just the habit or the ritual—though those play a role—it was something else.
When you mentioned wanting what’s in your glass to feel indulgent, that clicked for me. Yes! That’s exactly it. I don’t want just water—I want something that still feels pleasurable, elevated, and a little luxurious (I was definitely a wine-and-cocktail girl before). That’s why I still want something wine-like in my glass, just without a ton, or any, alcohol.
Lately I’ve been experimenting with mixing my own low-strength wine. Here in the US, it doesn’t seem like there are options for really low-ABV wines (or at least I haven’t found any). I’ve found a few decent mid-strength ones around 8%, but I like it even lower. So I’ve been blending dealcoholized wine with just a splash of something mid-strength—nothing fancy, just white with white. It’s working really well! I’m not sure what the final ABV is, but the end result gives me that same sense of indulgence—just without a huge buzz.
I love that you're finding ways to make the drink work for you. That open-mindedness (not to mention the creativity) is the key to finding a drinking routine that works for your needs.
As you're in the States, you should definitely keep an eye on Dry Atlas, and Laura Silverman from Zero Proof Nation for some great drinks recs on your side of the pond.
Coming back to say thank you SO much for suggesting Dry Atlas in particular. Their resources are awesome! I didn’t know of them previously (I did know of Zero Proof Nation).
Thanks for another great article!
“If the buzz is gone, what do you want the beverage to do for you?” — I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. For a while, I couldn’t quite figure out what it was about drinking that kept me coming back, even if alcohol was removed from the equation. It wasn’t just the habit or the ritual—though those play a role—it was something else.
When you mentioned wanting what’s in your glass to feel indulgent, that clicked for me. Yes! That’s exactly it. I don’t want just water—I want something that still feels pleasurable, elevated, and a little luxurious (I was definitely a wine-and-cocktail girl before). That’s why I still want something wine-like in my glass, just without a ton, or any, alcohol.
Lately I’ve been experimenting with mixing my own low-strength wine. Here in the US, it doesn’t seem like there are options for really low-ABV wines (or at least I haven’t found any). I’ve found a few decent mid-strength ones around 8%, but I like it even lower. So I’ve been blending dealcoholized wine with just a splash of something mid-strength—nothing fancy, just white with white. It’s working really well! I’m not sure what the final ABV is, but the end result gives me that same sense of indulgence—just without a huge buzz.
I love that you're finding ways to make the drink work for you. That open-mindedness (not to mention the creativity) is the key to finding a drinking routine that works for your needs.
As you're in the States, you should definitely keep an eye on Dry Atlas, and Laura Silverman from Zero Proof Nation for some great drinks recs on your side of the pond.
Thanks for those recs!!
Coming back to say thank you SO much for suggesting Dry Atlas in particular. Their resources are awesome! I didn’t know of them previously (I did know of Zero Proof Nation).
You are super welcome, Lauren.
If you check out ep#73 of the podcast, you can hear my interview with the founder, Victoria Watters :)